History WWII: Historian Jim Gibbons' slogan is "Life is no mystery when you know your history." Gibbons has a passion for retelling historical stories and will highlight the significant events that thrust the United States into this unwanted war at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. He will show how the United States, Great Britain, and Russia united together to bring down and eventually destroy the Axis Powers. Registration requested.

Crafts: Drop in and craft with your family as you try new projects and make new friends at 10 a.m. Saturday. Children 6 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Cooking: Enjoy an afternoon of culinary learning as well as a sampling of flavors and textures at 1:30 p.m. Friday. Chef Michael Maddox will demonstrate how to create savory canapes to liven up taste buds in anticipation of a pleasant holiday dinner. Registration requested.

Vernon Area Public Library

300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire

224-543-1485

Preschool story time: Children can drop in to enjoy stories, songs, and movement that encourage imagination while building language, listening, and pre-reading skills at 10 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Thursday. For children ages 3-5 without a caregiver.

Author visit: New York Times bestselling kids' author Aaron Reynolds presents his new book, "Nerdy Birdie," at 7 p.m. Thursday. Books available for purchase and signing. For grades kindergarten and up with an adult. Registration required.

Taste of story time: The whole family is invited to the new "weekend blend" story time that combines all of our weekday story time offerings — plus coffee and donuts — at 10 a.m. Saturday. Find out what early literacy is all about, and meet other area parents, kids, and your library's early literacy team. Ages birth to 5 with a caregiver, and siblings are always welcome.

Movie: Disney's 2015 "Cinderella," rated PG, will be shown at 2 p.m. Saturday. All ages, and registration is required.

Round Lake Area Public Library

906 Hart Road

847-546-7060

Yoga: Bring the whole family, along with a mat or towel, and learn easy yoga poses at 10 a.m. Saturday and Nov. 28.